In the past when a child had several sore throats, her tonsils might have been removed in an attempt to prevent further infections. But this operation, called a tonsillectomy , is recommended today only for the most severely affected children.
Even in difficult cases, where there is repeated strep throat, antibiotic treatment is usually the best solution. You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. Please enable scripts and reload this page. Turn on more accessible mode. Turn off more accessible mode. Skip Ribbon Commands. Skip to main content. Turn off Animations. Turn on Animations. Our Sponsors Log in Register.
Log in Register. Ages and Stages. Healthy Living. Safety and Prevention. Family Life. Health Issues. Tips and Tools. Our Mission. Find a Pediatrician. Text Size. Page Content. Tonsillitis refers to tonsils that are inflamed. Strep throat is an infection caused by a specific type of bacteria, Streptococcus. When your child has a strep throat, the tonsils are usually very inflamed, and the inflammation may affect the surrounding part of the throat as well.
However, your doctor may perform a test to identify the presence of strep bacteria and determine potential treatments. In many cases, your age may clue in your doctor to the likely cause.
Adults and those younger than age 3 rarely get strep throat. An exception is when an adult comes in contact with children or is the parent of a school-age child. Your doctor can also perform a visual examination of your throat, taking into consideration your signs and symptoms. If a strep throat is suspected, they can perform a quick test that involves swabbing the throat to test for the presence of group A strep bacteria. This test is called a rapid strep test. If mononucleosis is suspected, most clinics have a quick test that can detect if you have an active infection with just a small drop of blood from a finger stick.
Results are often available within 15 minutes or less. Bacteria is the underlying cause of strep throat, so doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat it. Most patients report improved symptoms within 24 to 48 hours of taking antibiotics for strep throat. The medication of choice for strep throat is usually from the penicillin family — amoxicillin is a common one. To reduce throat pain , you can also try the following lifestyle remedies:. Some people may also use a cool-mist humidifier to relieve their throat discomfort.
The throat is a vulnerable place to experiencing swelling and irritation due to colds, strep throat, ear infections, and more. The sudden onset of fever and other symptoms is one way to tell the difference between strep throat — which usually causes fever — and a sore throat due to a virus.
Tonsillitis can be caused by various viruses or bacteria. Strep throat is only caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. At-home strep tests are a way to potentially save yourself a trip to the doctor, but how well do they actually work? Sharp pain on one side of your throat when swallowing can occur for many reasons. Testing for Strep While at-home tests for strep are available, Schairer does not recommend them. Symptoms: Viral Sore Throat vs.
Strep Throat While these are common symptoms, everyone is different. While waiting for your throat to heal, Schairer recommends trying these tips to relieve the pain: Gargle with warm salt water. Dissolve a half-teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, swish it around your mouth and lean your head back to gargle with it. When done, make sure to spit out the water rather than swallow it. Drink warm liquids. Try a cup of hot water with a teaspoon of honey, or a mild tea.
Avoid citrusy liquids like orange juice, which can make the pain worse. Try an over-the-counter remedy. Some over-the-counter medications may temporarily relieve symptoms like cough or congestion.
Throat sprays and lozenges may also help. Do not give throat lozenges to young children as they could cause choking. Ice cream may help.
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